Honorary President of NGO Repubblika Robert Aquilina said that former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is continuing to increase tension in the country, and his irresponsible behaviour will be creating a major challenge for Police to maintain law and order “at this delicate moment.”

Aquilina was reacting to the news that on 28 May, the date when Muscat and others who are being criminally charged over the Vitals hospital deal will appear before the Court, Muscat’s supporters called a “solidarity meeting” outside the law courts in Valletta.

Former Minister Konrad Mizzi and former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri are also to be arraigned on the same day as Muscat, while two former ministers, Chris Fearne and Edward Scicluna, will be charged the day after.

Aquilina said in a Facebook post that Muscat is calling on his followers to take to the streets during his arraignment.

Aquilina said he had written to the Police Commissioner, informing him that Repubblika has no intention of organising any public activities on those days, in Valletta or elsewhere.

He said that this mobilisation by Muscat's supporters will create a challenge for the Police to keep law and order.

Aquilina said that despite the strong disapproval the organisation has over former Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar’s leadership, as well as Angelo Gafa’s leadership, Repubblika has always been proactive in its attempts to collaborate with the Police to maintain law and order, even during times of tension.

“We are against all forms of violence and therefore, we intend to continue contributing our part to maintaining law and order in our country even during this time of tension,” he wrote.

The solidarity meeting was announced by broadcaster and avid supporter of Muscat, Emanuel Cuschieri, who said that the people needed to calmly, and in a civilised manner, show solidarity on Tuesday, 28 May, for Muscat, who “had truly cared for them.”